[The detection of modified forms of serum albumin in glomerulonephritis patients by spectrofluorometry]

A comparative investigation covered UV-fluorescence characteristics of partially purified preparations of serum albumin (SA) in 16 glomerulonephritis (GN) patients and 12 healthy subjects. Fluorescence spectra of SA in GN patients proved shifted to short-wave region, this evidencing differences in SA structure of the patients and healthy subjects. The fluorescence spectra were characterized by parameter A. A = I320/I365, where I320 and I365 are intensities at the spectra in the wave lengths 320 and 365 nm, respectively. In 16 GN patients with normal renal function an inverse relationship was derived between the A value and blood albumin levels. A value and daily protein loss were related directly. This may denote predominant passage of structurally deformed albumin through glomerular filter.